Suggestions for Your Home Inventory

· Record serial numbers of small appliances and other theft-prone items.

· Keep receipts along with the description of the item.

· If doing an audio or video inventory, start in one corner of the room and work your way around until the whole room has been covered.

· Don't forget to inventory closets, the attic and basement, and include sporting goods.

· A detailed record of antiques, jewelry, silver, major appliances and collector's items is very important.

· Keep your inventory up-to-date -- be sure to add new items as you purchase them.

· Photographs may be the best way to record your belongings. To prepare this kind of inventory, follow these easy guidelines.

· Any point-and-shoot or digital camera or VCR will do. (Color pictures show details better and cameras with a flash may produce better quality images.) Slides or prints are OK.

· Make sure pictures, slides and videos are dated and that items shown are accompanied by written records of when the item was purchased, where purchased and purchase price.

· To get the overall picture, take wide-angle shots of the entire room, then several close-ups to capture details.

· Focus your flash away from mirrors and other reflective surfaces by standing at a 45° angle to the shiny surface.

· When using a flash, try not to get closer than the recommended focus range. If you must get closer, dim the flash by placing a handkerchief over it while taking the picture.

· A family member in the picture helps substantiate ownership. Open closet doors to indicate quantity of clothing and take pictures of the inside of drawers with the contents fanned out.